Nikko Oliver Villanueva
composer | conductor
a Filipino choral conductor, composer, and arranger known for his emotionally rich compositions and intricate choral textures. He is currently studying Choral Conducting at the University of the Philippines College of Music and holds an Architecture degree from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He studied songwriting and harmony under National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. A multi-awarded musician, he currently serves as a tenor and the resident composer and arranger of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Musical Director and Resident Composer of the St. John Bosco Parish Music Ministry. Through his work, he continues to create music that resonates with the soul.
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Lux et Spes: The Easter Vigil Psalms
Latest Release:
Lux et Spes is a compilation of psalms from the Easter Vigil readings—something I have been working on for over a decade now. This project started back in 2014 when I first wrote the music for the 5 psalms that will be used for the Vigil at St. John Bosco Parish. I had no idea then that it would eventually turn into a full album with all ten psalms.
Looking back, these were some of the first songs I wrote. In many ways, they shaped my journey as a composer, deepened my love for sacred music and strengthened my faith in God.
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Now, after 10 years, I’m excited to finally share them with you.
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Album Cover Photo by: Menchit Ongpin
Sa Ganitong Panahon Din
Written during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, this song is a reminder to us of how God manifested His love when He sent His Son, in a very similar time of darkness. May we continue to have faith in the midst of grief and gloom, remembering that stars do shine brightest when the night turns deepest. Text is written by Joey G. Vargas
In A Very Similar Time
by Joey Gianan Vargas
English Translation
Men yielded to inviting embraces of fears for death’s coming,
that they spent their hours on sources of joys that are merely fleeting.
In their minds, this life is just but one and there can be no other
that in due time will have to end, will pass, and will be forgotten.
Blinded to the truth, they opted to set their sights on the darkness
where they allowed their eyes to get accustomed and where they, there dwelled.
Their voices are no longer familiar with hymns and songs of praise;
every melody sings of misery, every breath sighs of tears.
In a very similar time, one similar gloomy evening,
there in the Eastern night skies shone this brilliant star of Bethlehem.
In a very similar time, one similar sleeping evening,
the heavens turned very bright, and a host of angels came to sing.
Let your hearts remain expecting, always waiting for His coming;
in the midst of grief and gloom, keep vigil, always remembering:
the stars do shine brightest when night becomes bleakest and turns deepest;
the Messiah came when mankind was covered, enslaved in darkness.
